Electrokinetic nerve stimulator

ABSTRACT

A device and method for stimulating nerves. In one application, the approaches treat nausea and vomiting caused by a reaction to general anesthesia. A bi-modal approach involving acustimulation and medicants is contemplated for specific conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No.61/429,683, filed Jan. 4, 2011, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed towards devices and methods forstimulating nerves. In one application, an approach for more effectivelytreating post-surgical symptoms is contemplated.

A common side effect of surgery is nausea and vomiting caused by areaction to the general anesthetic. In fact, nausea, vomiting, andretching after surgical procedures not only cause patient discomfort,but can also prolong time to discharge from ambulatory surgery centersand results in unanticipated hospital admissions. A wide variety ofprophylactic antiemetics, including antihistamines (e.g., hydroxyzine,promethazine), butyrophenones (e.g., droperidol), and gastrokineticagents (e.g., metoclopramide), have been successfully used to reduce theincidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, many ofthese antiemetics are associated with undesirable side effects.

According to an article by Tang et al. (The Effect of Timing ofOndansetron Administration on Its Efficacy, Cost-Effectiveness, andCost-Benefit as a Prophylactic Antiemetic in the Ambulatory Setting;1998 International Anesthesia Research Society), however, Ondansetron iseffective for both the prevention and treatment of PONV withoutproducing significant side effects. The manufacturer recommends thatondansetron be administered before induction of anesthesia when used asa prophylaxis. The recommendation is based on the hypothesis thatblockade of receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone before thearrival of emetic stimuli associated with anesthesia and surgeryprovides greater antiemetic efficacy. The Tang et al. study concludedthat ondansetron administered immediately before the end of surgery wasthe most efficacious in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting,facilitating both early and late recovery.

Acupuncture is an ancient medical art dating back many centuries.Traditionally, points in the human body were reached by piercing thebody with fine wires or needles. The needles were then rotated ormanipulated about their longitudinal axes, for example by rubbing anexposed end of a needle between a thumb and finger, to stimulate theacupuncture points.

Stimulation of specific acupuncture points has been shown in severalstudies to have an impact in treating conditions such as nausea andvomiting, postoperative pain, headache, smoking cessation, erectiledysfunction, depression, male fertility, dysmenorrhea, and stomach acidsecretion and urinary urgency. At the National Institutes of HealthConsensus Conference on Acupuncture in 1997, the efficacy of acupuncturewas shown in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomitingand in postoperative dental pain, and that there were other situations,such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps,tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low backpain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma. Acupuncture was identified asbeing useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or beincluded in a comprehensive management program.

There is a recognized acupuncture point just below the crease of theinside of the wrist that has also been associated with the relief ofnausea. This is one location of the median nerve whose stimulation isgenerally credited with producing this relief of symptoms and has beenreferred to as the P6 acupuncture point. In recent years, it has beenobserved that electrical stimulation of this location has produced thesame effect (Anesthesiology 2007 December; 107(6): 903-8).

Peripheral nerve stimulators have become to be commonly used duringsurgery to monitor the effects of medications deployed for monitoring ofneuromuscular relaxation. These devices are hand held appliances thatprovide a broad range of current, stimulation frequency and patternsettings. However, they tend to be costly and also lack the portabilityneeded to attach to a patient's wrist without causing significantinconvenience. Not all peripheral nerve stimulators have the capabilityof continuous stimulation and many have tetanus buttons that if deployedon an awake patient would cause significant pain. These traditionalnerve stimulators are not designed for continuous P6 accustimulation.

Electrical stimulation of the P6 acupuncture point, in particular, hasbeen found to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV). According to the Amberger et al. study (Monitoring ofNeuromuscular Blockade at the P6 Acupuncture Point Reduces the Incidenceof Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Anesthesiology, V. 107, No. 6,December 2007) antiemetic drugs generally can reduce, but they do noteliminate postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Acupuncture and itsdifferent approaches, such as needle acupuncture, electroacupuncture,and acupressure, are well described in nausea treatment. This approachis non-pharmacologic and offers the same independent efficacy as doesondansetron according to the Amberger study.

As stated, the P6 or Neiguan acupuncture point is located just proximalto the distal skin crease of the wrist, or more specifically in theanterior antebrachial region on the ulnar side of the tendon of theflexor carpi radialis. It was found that stimulation of the P6acupuncture point in adult women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopicsurgery showed a marked reduction of PONV incidence. That is,transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 acupuncture pointreduced nausea. Thus, Amberger et al. concluded that intraoperative P6acupuncture point stimulation with a conventional nerve stimulatorduring surgery significantly reduced the incidence of PONV over 24hours. The efficacy of P6 stimulation is similar to that of commonlyused antiemetic drugs in the prevention of PONV. It is possible thatusing both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities may besynergistic.

Various approaches to electrostimulization in general have beenconsidered. In one approach, there is provided a disc shaped device thathas two primary layers. A first layer for adhering to a patient's skinsurface and a second layer on the underside of which electricalcircuitry is printed or affixed so that the electrical circuitry issandwiched between the layers. Single use and reusable devices havefurther been contemplated. In the reusable device a pressure-sensitiveadhesive material forms the lower layer which allows for multipleapplications to a patient's skin. In either configuration, metal coreinsulated leads can be used for electrical connection with the oppositeends of the leads connected to jacks for connection to an impulsestimulator or can end in electrically conductive tabs.

In another approach, an electro-acupuncture device including a hydrogelfor enhancing electrical conduction between the device and the skin andto provide an impedance matching layer between the device and the skinis contemplated. The hydrogel masses are sized and dimensioned so thatwhen the pad is adapted to the device, the hydrogel masses do not bridgethe electrodes to cause a short between the electrodes.

Other related devices not indicated for addressing nausea have also beendescribed. One such approach involves an electrode-battery assembly fora miniature wireless transcutaneous electrical neuro or muscularstimulation unit capable of being removably attached. The assembly isgenerally comprised of two sided electrodes, batteries, variousconductive transmission materials and a mechanical means for securingthe conductive materials to the batteries. In addition, the assembly canbe rechargeable or be disposable.

In another approach, a disposable electric bandage for electricalstimulation including a device for delivery of electric current. Thedevice will increase circulation, generating motor and sensorystimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation. The device furtherincludes circular electrodes and a circular power source, such as abattery. The electrodes are coated with hydrogel, which readilyfacilitates providing a moist surface and in addition a conductiveinterface means between the patch and body area of a subject. It isnoted that a conductive interface may also be a conductive adhesive.

Further, yet another approach involves a self-contained electronicmusculoskeletal stimulation apparatus that is a battery-operated device.The device applies electronic stimulation to a human with a stimulationprotocol to introduce pain relieving electronic stimulation to the bodyfor immediate, symptomatic relief of minor, chronic and acutemusculoskeletal aches and pains and mild muscle tension. A patientattaches the apparatus onto the body with electrogel pads, whichfunction as an adhesive to hold the apparatus in place. When thetreatment button is depressed, one of the indicators will blink rapidlyto indicate which intensity is currently being used to treat the patientand provide the patient with the identification of the intensity beingused by the patient and an indication of treatment beginning.

Prior work has indicated, however, that existing devices are providingstimulation wave forms that are largely effective but still fail torelieve nausea and vomiting in approximately 3-5% of patients. Protocolsassociated with the use of the nerve stimulators have also been foundlacking. Accordingly, there is need to develop a compact version of anacustimulization device that can attach comfortably to the body (i.e.,wrist) so that it can be worn home and then disposed. Protocolsdescribing the use of the device with medication are needed.

The present application addresses these and other needs. In particular,Perioperative nausea and vomiting, nausea associated with chemotherapy,nausea associated with pregnancy and nausea associated with motion. Theapplication may be used alone or as part of a treatment regime toaddress nausea.

SUMMARY

Briefly and in general terms, the present disclosure is directed towarda self contained and powered unit having numerous applications bothinside and outside of medicine. In one approach, the unit embodies acompact electrokinetic nerve stimulator that is designed specifically totreat post operative nausea and vomiting with enhanced effectiveness.The disclosed device can also stimulate other nerves such as theanterior tibial nerve for the purpose of treating urinary urgency.Methods relating to the use of the stimulator are also disclosed.

In one particular aspect, the nerve stimulator is embodied in adisposable patch that is attachable to a patient's body. The patch canbe sized and shaped to be placed on an exterior of a patient's skin tostimulate the median nerve. The device can include two electrodes, amicrochip, a pulse generator assembly, and a power cell encapsulated bya film cover. One variation of the device contemplates a scopolaminepatch attached to the device, but outside the electrical field toaddress both pharmacologic and nonpharmicologic modalities in a singleapplied device. Wireless transmission of vital signs includingoxygenation and heart rate, such as through blue tooth integration iscontemplated as is RF integration to transmit identification data. Amethod of transmitting location data through wireless transmission or RFintegration or the like is also contemplated.

In one treatment modality the nerve stimulator device is activated atthe beginning of surgery and permitted to operate for up to seventy-sixor more hours or to the end of the battery life. A dose of ondansetronis given intravenously twenty minutes prior to the end of surgery.

In a rescue modality, general evaluation of the patient is made withhistory and appropriate exam, hydration status is optimized. Theapplication of the nerve stimulator device is contemplated. A rapidacting agent with or without a longer acting agent is givenintravenously. A particular approach can involve the administration ofintravenous propofol and intravenous promethazine along with the use ofthe nerve stimulator device.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plane view, depicting a compact electrokinetic nervestimulator;

FIG. 2A is a bottom view, depicting a schematic representative of anelectrokinetic nerve stimulator;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view, depicting the electrokinetic nervestimulator of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is another cross-sectional side view, depicting theelectrokinetic nerve stimulator of FIG. 2A; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, depicting a nerve stimulator attached to apatient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, which are provided by way of example andnot limitation, there is shown a compact electrokinetic stimulator.

Stimulation of the median nerve at the ventral portion of the wrist iswell documented for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.Existing nerve stimulators that are employed in operating rooms tostimulate the median nerve at this location can be lacking. The problemswith such apparatus are lack of uniformity among nerve stimulators, bulkof the equipment, lack of portability and disposability and cost of theequipment.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is offered as a solution to problemsthat hinder wider application of nerve stimulation. One application ofthe nerve stimulator of the present disclosure is to the anterior tibialnerve to treat urinary urgency. Other applications are alsocontemplated. Moreover, application of a disposable stimulator on themedian nerve can facilitate the prevention of nausea in various settingssuch as postoperative, chemotherapy, pregnancy as well as otheretiologies not otherwise specified. One contemplated location to accessthe median nerve is at the ventral wrist. The disposable nature of thedevice allows the device to travel with the patient thus preventingreactivation of the chemoreceptors trigger zone which may prevent nauseathat occurs after discharge from the recovery room. It should be notedthat the described treatment aids in the alleviation of the symptoms ofnausea but does not treat the underlying etiology. In addition to use ofthe device in a preemptive protocol, the nerve stimulator may be used totreat persons experiencing postoperative nausea and vomiting or nauseafrom other etiologies with a rescue protocol, and may be used tostimulate nerves other than the median nerve as well.

Oscilloscopic analysis was conducted on a circuit that was being appliedto the median nerve region while it was being stimulated with a 1.5 to 5mA current. The alternating pulse and ramp functions applied by thestimulator were of low enough voltage to consider it feasible to usesmall battery technology as an alternative power supply. A microchip iscontemplated to be sufficient to run the algorithms required to providenerve stimulation that regulates the current to approximate a targetvalue of 1.5 to 5 mA with a frequency of 2 Hz.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the nerve stimulization device 100 of the presentdisclosure includes a flexible plastic tape or cover 102 with twoadhesive EKG style electrode assemblies 104. The nerve stimulator canact as a acustimulator device. The device can be relatively small beingapproximately 1.5 inches wide and about 3 inches long. A microchip andminiature circuit board 106 can be mounted between the two electrodes104 as shown in the figures. Activation of the device 100 can beaccomplished by pulling or removing a pull tab (not shown) that wouldcomplete the circuit with the power cells. A LED light 108 can beconfigured to flash when a current is detected. Alternatively, amagnetic wand (not shown) can be employed to start the circuit and setit to operate for either 8 or 16 hours (with a second touch of the wand,or to the end of battery life). A pulse generator powered by a battery109 and controlled by the microchip 106 can deliver 1.5 to 5milliamperes of current at 2 Hz. The battery 109 and microchip 106cooperate to form a pulse generator assembly. Furthermore, this assemblycan be configured to detect impedance of skin to insure that the desiredamperage is delivered.

As best seen in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a top portion 112 of the stimulatordevice 100 can be formed of a foam material. A bottom portion of thedevice is contemplated to embody a foam insulation. Wires 116 extendfrom the pulse generator assembly to each electrode assembly 104.Further, an energy transmitting gel 120 is associated with eachelectrode assembly 104 to facilitate a desired contact with the patient.An adhesive 130 can also be incorporated into the bottom surface of thedevice 100 for attachment to the target location on the patient's body.

Extended operation of up to 76 hours is also contemplated. Thus, abattery is chosen to provide up to or more than 76 hours of operation.Prior to assembly, the microchip 106 can be “stamped” with a controlalgorithm that is housed and delivered by a dedicated laptop computer.

The device 100 can be evaluated using a circuit load that simulates theimpedance of the median nerve region 200. This evaluation can record theapplied current and voltage wave forms and the frequency of application.Multiple rounds of evaluation can be conducted to verify circuitperformance.

Use of various wave forms may provide enhanced effectiveness. One aspectis the long term use of the device following surgery. Most conventionalperipheral stimulation does not last 10-20 hours. Accordingly, onecontemplated approach is employing a balanced waveform that avoids thenet buildup of ions (polarization). Other waveforms are contemplated tospecifically avoid side effects. Yet another waveform issue for longterm stimulation is the speed with which the peak current is applied tothe patient. Thus, a waveform characterized by a gentle slope to thisbuild up is also contemplated. In one embodiment, it is contemplatedthat the wave form that will be employed can be characterized as a boxwave form at a 5 mA current and a frequency of 2 Hz.

Use of the device alone provides an estimate fifty percent reduction inpostoperative nausea and vomiting. In conjunction with a singleprophylactic dose of intravenous ondansetron 4 mg on emergence shouldoffer results superior to either intervention alone. The patientcontinues to use the device for up to 76 hours or to end of batterylife.

Elements of a rescue protocol include hydration and administration offast acting agents capable of breaking the nausea and vomiting cyclewith application of the acustimulator. In the postoperative care settingwith the patient being monitored, administration of 10 mg of intravenouspropofol and 6.25 to 25 mg of intravenous promethazine is performedalong with the application of the acustimulator.

In one treatment protocol, a first step involves an assessment of thepatient. A patient history is taken and a physical is performed. It isrecognized that nausea and vomiting risk stratification is multifactoredand a patient's condition must be assessed in order to arrive at thefirst preventative treatment. Thus, a patient's entire health andtreatment history is reviewed and key aspects are noted and weighed.

Additionally, the type of procedure that the patient is about to undergois also assessed and analyzed as is the anesthesia that will be used inthe procedure. For example, it is noted whether a pelvic region or anintrabdominal procedure is to be conducted. Also surgical patients canbe stratificated as to low, medium and high risk. It is to be recognizedthat for low risk procedures, for example minor skin procedures orradiologic procedures, an anesthetic technique that minimizes nauseasuch as a Total IntraVenous Anesthetic (TIVA) technique using propofolis contemplated. Moderate risk procedures such as those applicable indistal extremity orthopedic procedures would utilize the disclosedstimulation device along with a TIVA and an additional antiemetic suchas Ondansetron. High risk procedures such as those associated withintra-abdominal or pelvic surgery would utilize the stimulation device,TIVA and two or more additional antiemeitics such as ondansetron anddexamethasone.

Separate specific considerations can be important where the patient isundergoing emetogenic chemotherapy. It is noted that somechemotherapeutic agents are much more emetogenic than others. As well,dosage and timing frequency and inter-patient variables can impact theprobability and severity of nausea. Thus, the routine antiemetic therapyshould be given and the stimulation device should be placed andactivated, just before infusion of chemotherapy begins.

Moreover, distinct protocols may be necessary when treating nausea andvomiting associated with pregnancy and labor. Such patients may requirea different approach due to limitations of systemic antiemetics usedduring pregnancy. Median nerve acustimulation is nonpharmacologictherefore avoids potential risk associated with systemic pharmacologicagents.

Treating patients suffering from motion sickness can involve otherconsiderations. For example, it may be necessary to considerOver-the-Counter availability of motion sickness or nausea medications.Thus, a protocol combining the stimulation device with available OTCantiemetics such as Dimenhydrinate can lead to a successful treatment.

In general, the treatment of nausea, is intended to be multimodal innature. Thus, the application of nerve stimulation in conjunction withthe administration of an antiemetic is contemplated.

For a low risk patient in a method for treating nausea, thestimulization device 100 is attached to the patient at a ventral portionof the wrist above the median nerve. The device 100 is activated ideallywithin 60 minutes and with the patient in a supine or semi-recombinantposition prior to induction of anesthesia. The device 100 is permittedto operate until depletion of the battery.

In treating a medium risk patient for nausea, the acustimulator device100 is applied to the ventral portion of the wrist above the mediannerve for example, and is activated within 60 minutes prior to theinduction of the anesthesia. Again, here, the device 100 is permitted tooperate until the depletion of the battery. In addition, 30 minutesprior to the emergence of anesthesia, 4 mg of Ondansetron isadministered to the patient intravenously.

For a high risk patient, the acustimulator device 100 is applied asbefore and 4 mg of Ondansetron is administered. Additionally, 4 to 8 mgof dexamethasone is administered to the patient intravenously after theinduction of anesthesia. The patient is also assessed to determinewhether a scopolamine patch and/or an oral dose of aprepitant 40 mgshould be given to the patient prior to induction of anesthesia.

Moreover, in the perioperative period, there are other considerations.These include maintenance of normovolemia by administration ofintravenous fluids, and minimizing IV or oral opiates as thesemedications commonly cause nausea and regional anesthesia whenappropriate. For example, utilizing peripheral nerve blocks fororthopedic procedures on the upper and lower extremities or epiduralblocks for thoracic, abdominal, pelvic or lower extremity procedures canbe appropriate in a treatment scheme.

Where a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, one approach to nauseatreatment would be to apply the acustimulator device 100 to stimulatethe median nerve 30 to 60 minutes prior to the infusion of emetogenicchemotherapy along with standard current anti-emetics. The device 100would then be employed continuously until battery depletion.

It is also contemplated that the acustimulator device 100 can beequipped to receive replacement batteries. In this way, continuedtreatment for the prevention of nausea can be performed such as thatmight be necessary during pregnancy. The device 100 would be applied tostimulate the median nerve at early signs of pregnancy induced nausea,for example, and allowed to work until battery depletion. A new batterycan then be inserted into the device 100 when new signs of nausea beginto appear after a last round of treatment.

It is further contemplated that a transdermal antiemetic such asscopolamine can be contained within the adhesive portion of thestimulation device. The antiemetic can be placed inside or outside thefield of stimulation energy. In one application the drug can bedelivered utilizing ionophoretic technology for transdermal delivery ofanti-emetic agent(s). Other transdermal delivery technologies arecontemplated. The approach of combining median nerve accustimulation anda transdermal anti-emetic in a single contained disposable unit asmultimodal therapy is contemplated.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to address postoperativesymptoms such as nausea. Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoingthat, while particular forms of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed, various modifications can be made without parting from thespirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A method for treating post-operative nausea in a patient, comprising: configuring a nerve stimulator to stimulate a patient's median nerve; administering a dose of intravenous ondansetron to the patient; and applying nerve stimulation for a period of time beyond the patient's stay at a treatment center using a waveform balanced with positive and negative signals.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the nerve stimulator is disposable.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering a dose of intravenous ondansetron to the patient prophylactically.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising conducting a rescue protocol involving acustimulation along with hydration of the patient along with the administration of 10 mg of intravenous propofol and 6.25 to 25 mg of promethazine.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the rescue protocol involves hydration and administration of fast acting agents capable of breaking nausea and vomiting cycles.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising administering intravenous propofol and promethazine.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient's Neiguan acupuncture point is used to stimulate the median nerve.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the nerve stimulation includes a battery with up to a 76 hour life.
 9. A system for treating post-operative nausea in a patient, comprising: a disposable nerve stimulator, the nerve stimulator configured to be applied to a patient prior or during a surgical procedure and to remain with a patient after the patient leaves a treatment facility therefore avoiding reactivation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone that could result in nausea; a rescue protocol involving acustimulation along with hydration of the patient along with the administration of 10 mg of intravenous propofol and/or 6.25 to 25 mg of promethazine.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a preemptive protocol.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the nerve stimulator includes a battery which drives a microchip and circuit communicator with one or more electrodes.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the battery has a life of 76 hours or more.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the signal is a box wave form at between 1.5 to 5 mA current and a frequency of 2 Hz.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the nerve stimulator has an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface including an adhesive.
 15. The system of claim 9, further comprising an insulating matrix material.
 16. The system of claim 9, further comprising a pulse generator.
 17. The system of claim 9, further comprising a pair of electrodes.
 18. The system of claim 9, further comprising a transdermal antiemetic.
 19. The system of claim 9, wherein the nerve stimulator is configured to provide a gentle build up to peak current. 